Fluoxetine belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used for the treatment of depression and helps to elevate mood. Fluoxetine is also used to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as well as to treat the eating disorder, bulimia nervosa.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors work by increasing the amount of a neurotransmitter, called serotonin, which is available in certain parts of the brain. Although you may start feeling better within a few weeks of treatment, the full effects of the medication may not be evident until several weeks of treatment have passed.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Prozac?

To treat depression, the recommended starting dose of fluoxetine for adults is 20 mg. After several weeks, your doctor may advise you to increase the dose if your symptoms have not improved. The maximum recommended dose of fluoxetine is 60 mg daily. Once your symptoms have been brought under control, the lowest effective dose of fluoxetine as prescribed by your doctor should be used to keep the symptoms from coming back. Your doctor may advise you to keep taking fluoxetine for several months.

For the eating disorder bulimia nervosa, the recommended adult dosage is 60 mg taken daily, although lower doses may be effective.

The recommended dose of fluoxetine to treat obsessive compulsive disorder ranges from 20 mg to 60 mg taken once daily.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Fluoxetine is generally taken once daily, in the morning. It may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Depression Symptom Checker Tool

The Depression Symptom Checker tool can help you learn about depression. Use this tool to create a list of your symptoms and rate how much the symptoms impact your life on a daily basis. The checklist is divided into 6 symptom categories that are associated with depression. You can also learn more about symptoms of depression here.

For each statement choose a number from 0 to 4 that describes the impact on your daily life, where 4 has the highest impact and 0 has no impact:

0 = no impact on daily life/no symptoms

1 = mild impact on daily life

2 = moderate impact on daily life

3 = severe impact on daily life

4 = debilitating impact on daily life

It is important to remember that this is not a “score” but a way to help you communicate how much you feel the symptom impacts your daily life. When you finish you will be able to print out your symptoms and share this information with your doctor. Use the Doctor Discussion Guide to prepare for your doctor’s visit.

Rate how much the following symptoms apply to you.

1. Emotions

Depression can affect anyone at any age, although it most commonly appears between 15 and 45 years of age.

I feel a sense of sadness and/or hopelessness

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I feel restless and/or irritable

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I have lost interest in hobbies and activities I once enjoyed

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I have thoughts of self-harm, death, or suicide (if you have these thoughts, please seek medical help immediately)

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

2. Fatigue

Serious depression affects about 11% of Canadians at some time in their lives, and about 4% during any given year.

I do not have the energy to do the things I need or want to do

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I think the lack of energy could be related to depression instead of another health issue

Yes

Possibly

No

3. Sleep

During depression treatment, sleep and appetite often improve before your mood improves.

I am sleeping too much

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I am having trouble getting enough sleep

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I have other sleep problems that are impacting my life

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

4. Weight

Weight loss is considered significant if you gain or lose more than 5% of your body weight within a month.

I have been losing weight recently without trying

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I have been gaining weight recently without trying

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

5. Thinking and concentrating

Having a close relative with depression, experiencing childhood trauma or the death of a loved one, or worrying a lot about problems may increase the likelihood of experiencing an episode of depression.

I have difficulty concentrating

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I have difficulty thinking clearly

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

I have trouble making decisions

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

6. Unexplained Aches and Pains

Up to 76% of people with depression also experience physical symptoms, such as headache, stomach pain, and back pain.

I am bothered by unexplained aches and pains (headache, stomach pain, other pains)

0

1

2

3

4

No Impact

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Debilitating

Results

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Visit your doctor with these results, when booking your appointment inform your doctor that you may need extra time to discuss these matters. Getting help for your depression can change your life. Don’t wait- depression is an illness that can, and should be treated.

Thoughts about death or suicide are common in depression, and it’s important to take such thoughts seriously. If you feel like giving up or as if you might hurt yourself, get help immediately: call your doctor, go to the emergency room or call 911.

The contents of this site are for informational purposes only and are meant to be discussed with your physician or other qualified health care professional before being acted on. Never disregard any advice given to you by your doctor or other qualified health care professional. Always seek the advice of a physician or other licensed health care professional regarding any questions you have about your medical condition(s) and treatment(s). This site is not a substitute for medical advice.